Optical member and lighting device using the same

ABSTRACT

Provided are an optical member capable of implementing optical images having a desired shape and a lighting device using the optical member. The optical member can include a base substrate and a plurality of unit patterns sequentially arranged on a first surface of the base substrate and each having an inclined surface with respect to the first surface. Each unit pattern can be extended in a pattern extension direction, respectively. The plurality of unit patterns and the inclined surfaces thereof can be structurally arranged on the first surface of the base substrate such that any beam of incident light that strikes a unit pattern at a right angle to the pattern extension direction in which said unit pattern extends is guided away from the optical member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2013-0139373, filed on Nov. 15, 2013, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Description of the Related Arts

In general, a lighting device is a device used for illuminating a darkplace using various light sources. The lighting device is used to shinea beam at a specific object or space and to express an atmosphere of thespecific object or space in a desired shape or color.

According to the technical development of an LED (Light Emitting Diode),lighting devices in various shapes using LEDs have recently come intowide use. For example, one of the lighting devices according to aconventional art includes a diffusion plate for emitting light emittedfrom LED light sources to the outside.

Most of the LED lighting devices according to the conventional art areconfigured so that light is uniformly outputted on an entire lightemitting surface. Also, in order to express the atmosphere of a specificobject or space in a desired shape or color, a color filter or a filterhaving a light permeable hole in a desired shape has been used in somelighting devices according to the conventional art.

However, when the atmosphere of a specific object or space is expressedin a desired shape or color using the LED lighting devices according tothe conventional art, the configuration of the devices becomesmechanically complicated, and as a result, it is problematic in that thedegree of freedom in design is limited, and it is difficult to installor maintain and manage the devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an optical member capableof implementing optical images having a desired shape through a patterndesign, and a lighting device using the optical member.

In order to address the disadvantages discussed above and to express theatmosphere in a desired shape or color of an optical image, embodimentsinclude a light device having a simple structure, which is easy toinstall or maintain and manage.

An aspect of embodiments of the present invention may provide an opticalmember which can be used in implementing optical images having a desiredshape or surface illumination in design by controlling an optical path,an optical width, and luminous intensity.

Another aspect of embodiments of the present invention may provide alighting device capable of implementing an optical image having variousdesigns in various lighting fields, such as general lighting, designlighting, vehicle (e.g., a car or a bus) lighting and the like byutilizing the optical member.

In an embodiment, an optical member can include: a base substrate; and aplurality of unit patterns sequentially arranged on a first surface ofthe base substrate and each having an inclined surface with aninclination angle with respect to a unit pattern inclination angledirection of the first surface, respectively. Each unit patterninclination angle direction is parallel to the first surface, each unitpattern is extended in a pattern extension direction, respectively, andeach pattern extension direction is parallel to the first surface and isperpendicular to the respective unit pattern inclination angle directionof the unit pattern which is extended in said pattern extensiondirection. The plurality of unit patterns and the inclined surfacesthereof are structurally arranged on the first surface of the basesubstrate such that any beam of incident light that strikes a unitpattern at a right angle to the pattern extension direction in whichsaid unit pattern extends is guided away from the optical member. In aparticular embodiment, at least two of the pattern extension directionsare non-parallel to each other.

The pattern extension directions of the plurality of unit patterns cancross each other, such that a distance between adjacent unit patterns issmaller near a first edge of the base substrate than it is near a secondedge of the base substrate opposite to the first side.

Each inclined surface can be a mirror-like finishing surface. Aroughness of each inclined surface can be 0.02 or less in arithmeticalaverage roughness (Ra) and 0.30 or less in maximum height roughness(Ry). The inclination angle of each inclined surface can be in a rangeof from 5° to 85°. A refractive index of the base substrate can be in arange of from 1.3 to 1.8, and the inclination angle of each inclinedsurface can be in a range of from 33.7° to 50.3°.

A refractive index of the base substrate can be in a range of from 1.3to 1.8, and the inclination angle of each inclined surface can be in arange of from 49.7° to 56.3°.

A cross section of each inclined surface can have a straight-line shape,a rounded shape, a shape having a plurality of straight-line segmentsconnected to form an overall curved shape, or a combination thereof.

A distance between two adjacent unit patterns among the plurality ofunit patterns can range from 10 to 500 μm.

Each unit pattern can have two inclined surfaces, each with aninclination angle with respect to the unit pattern inclination angledirection, and a cross-sectional view of each unit pattern can have atriangular shape, with the first surface of the base and the twoinclined surfaces being the three sides of the triangle. In a particularembodiment, in the cross-sectional view of each unit pattern, theinclined surfaces can have different lengths.

The base substrate can be a transparent substrate having a haze of 2% orless in a plate or film form. A thickness of the base substrate can bein a range of from 25 μm to 250 μm. Alternatively, a thickness of thebase substrate can be in a range of from 250 μm to 10 mm.

The base substrate can include a photocurable polymer, a thermosettingpolymer, or a thermoplastic polymer. The base substrate can includepolycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, polyethyleneterephthalate, or glass.

The plurality of unit patterns can be formed of the same material as thefirst surface of the base substrate.

The plurality of unit patterns can be provided as a pattern layer bondedto the first surface of the base substrate. The pattern layer caninclude a photocurable resin.

In another embodiment, a lighting device can include an optical memberas discussed herein; and a light source unit irradiating light to theoptical member.

The light source unit can be structurally arranged such that anartificial three-dimensional effect is generated whereby at least aportion of light reflected from the plurality of unit patterns appearsto a viewer to originate from a depth below the optical member.

The plurality of unit patterns can serve as dummy light sources in whichoptical paths become longer in order as a distance from the light sourceis increased, thereby generating the artificial three-dimensionaleffect.

In an embodiment, a vehicle can include a lighting device as describedherein. The vehicle can also include a vehicle body. The vehicle can bea bus. Each unit pattern can have two inclined surfaces, each with aninclination angle with respect to the unit pattern inclination angledirection. A cross-sectional view of each unit pattern can have atriangular shape, with the first surface of the base and the twoinclined surfaces being the three sides of the triangle, and wherein, inthe cross-sectional view of each unit pattern, the inclined surfaces canhave different lengths.

In yet another embodiment, a lighting device can include: an opticalmember; and a light source unit irradiating light to the optical member,wherein the optical member comprises: a base substrate; and a pluralityof unit patterns sequentially arranged on a first surface of the basesubstrate and each having an inclined surface with an inclination anglewith respect to a unit pattern inclination angle direction of the firstsurface. Each unit pattern inclination angle direction can be parallelto the first surface, each unit pattern can extended in a patternextension direction, respectively, and each pattern extension directioncan be parallel to the first surface and is perpendicular to therespective unit pattern inclination angle direction of the unit patternwhich is extended in said pattern extension direction. The plurality ofunit patterns and the inclined surfaces thereof can be structurallyarranged on the first surface of the base substrate such that any beamof incident light that strikes a unit pattern at a right angle to thepattern extension direction in which said unit pattern extends is guidedaway from the optical member. The light source unit can be structurallyarranged such that an artificial three-dimensional effect is generatedwhereby at least a portion of light reflected from the plurality of unitpatterns appears to a viewer to originate from a depth below the opticalmember.

The light source unit can include a first light source and a secondlight source, wherein the first light source irradiates light in thesame direction as the second light source irradiates light or in adirection which crosses the direction in which the second light sourceirradiates light.

The light source unit can include a first light source and a secondlight source, wherein the first light source irradiates light in a firstdirection, wherein the second light source irradiates light in a seconddirection, and wherein the first direction and the second direction areopposed to each other at an angle with each other in a range of from 90°to 180°.

The light source unit can includes LED (light emitting diode) elementsas light sources.

The lighting device can further include a support member or a housing,wherein the support member or the housing is configured to support atleast one of the optical member and the light source unit.

Each unit pattern can have two inclined surfaces, each with aninclination angle with respect to the unit pattern inclination angledirection, wherein a cross-sectional view of each unit pattern has atriangular shape, with the first surface of the base and the twoinclined surfaces being the three sides of the triangle. In thecross-sectional view of each unit pattern, the inclined surfaces canhave different lengths.

The lighting device can further include an outer lens which isconfigured such that one surface on which the optical member is disposedhas a curvature.

In an embodiment, a vehicle can include a vehicle body and a lightingdevice as described herein, wherein the outer lens is mounted to thevehicle body. The vehicle can further include a vehicle battery, whereinthe light source unit is connected to the vehicle battery and receivespower from the car vehicle battery. The vehicle can be, e.g., a car or abus. At least two of the pattern extension directions can benon-parallel to each other. In a particular embodiment, each unitpattern can have two inclined surfaces, each with an inclination anglewith respect to the unit pattern inclination angle direction, wherein across-sectional view of each unit pattern has a triangular shape, withthe first surface of the base and the two inclined surfaces being thethree sides of the triangle, and wherein, in the cross-sectional view ofeach unit pattern, the inclined surfaces have different lengths.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the present invention, and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrateexemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles of the present invention. Inthe drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view for an optical member according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for the optical member of FIG. 1 and apartial exploded view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrated to explain the principles of refraction andreflection of the optical member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrated to explain a generative principle of aline-shaped beam of the optical member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view showing brightness for each area with regard to athree-dimensional effect beam of the optical member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrated to explain an embodiment of a patternstructure of the optical member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 a view illustrated to explain another embodiment of a patternstructure of the optical member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 a view illustrated to explain a further embodiment of a patternstructure of the optical member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an optical member according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the optical member according to afurther embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for a modified example of the opticalmember of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a lighting device according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a lighting device according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along lines XV-XV ofthe lighting device of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a view showing an operating state of the lighting device ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a graph showing measured brightness of the lighting device ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for a lighting device according to afurther embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 18 is a plan view for a lighting device according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention that an ordinaryperson skilled in the art can implement will be described with referenceto the accompanying drawings. The embodiments in the specification andthe constructions shown in the drawings are provided as a preferredembodiment of the present invention, and it should be understood thatthere may be various equivalents and modifications which couldsubstitute at the time of filing. In addition, when it comes to theoperation principle of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, description of certain known functions may be omitted. Theterms below are defined in consideration of the functions of the presentinvention, and the meaning of each term should be interpreted by judgingthe whole parts of the present specification, and the elements havingthe similar functions and operations of the drawings are given the samereference numerals.

In an embodiment, an optical member can include: a base substrate; and aplurality of unit patterns sequentially arranged on a first surface ofthe base substrate and each having an inclined surface with aninclination angle with respect to a unit pattern inclination angledirection of the first surface, respectively, wherein each unit patterninclination angle direction is parallel to the first surface, whereineach unit pattern is extended in a pattern extension direction,respectively, and wherein each pattern extension direction is parallelto the first surface and is perpendicular to the respective unit patterninclination angle direction of the unit pattern which is extended insaid pattern extension direction. The plurality of unit patterns and theinclined surfaces thereof can be structurally arranged on the firstsurface of the base substrate such that any beam of incident light thatstrikes a unit pattern at a right angle to the pattern extensiondirection in which said unit pattern extends is guided away from theoptical member. In certain embodiments, at least two of the patternextension directions are non-parallel to each other. For example, all ofthe pattern extension directions can be non-parallel to each other. Inan alternative embodiment, all of the pattern extension directions areparallel to each other. In a particular embodiment, some, but not all,of the pattern extension directions are parallel to each other.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view for an optical member according to anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional viewfor the optical member of FIG. 1 and a partial exploded view thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an optical member 100 according to thepresent embodiment includes a base substrate 10 and a pattern 11. Thepattern 11 includes a plurality of unit patterns sequentially arrangedon a first surface of the base substrate 10, and each of the unitpatterns 111 has an inclined surface 113 with an inclination angle withrespect to a unit pattern inclination angle direction of the firstsurface, respectively.

The base substrate 10 can be a transparent substrate. The base substrate10 may be formed of a material having a haze of 20 or less inconsideration of light efficiency. Also, it is preferable that a lighttransmittance of the base substrate 10 be 90% or more, thoughembodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the lighttransmittance of the base substrate 10 may be selected from a range ofabout 60% or more according to a desired shape when implementing opticalimages of line-shaped beams, three-dimensional beams or line-shapedbeams with a three-dimensional effect. When the light transmittance ofthe base substrate 10 is less than 60%, it is difficult to implement theline-shaped beam or the 3D beam, or light efficiency can be largelyreduced.

The base substrate 10 can have a first surface and a second surfaceopposed to the first surface. When the base substrate 10 is provided ina plate or film, an area of each of the first surface and the secondsurface can be relatively large compared to other surfaces of the basesubstrate 10, and the first and second surfaces can become two surfacesthat are approximately parallel to each other. The first surface may becalled a first main surface or a pattern arrangement surface 112.

The base substrate 10 can be made of a polymeric material. The materialof the base substrate 10 may be, for example, a photocurable polymer, athermosetting polymer or a thermoplastic polymer. Also, the material ofthe base substrate 10 may be polycarbonate (PC), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glass.

The first surface of the base substrate 10 can be an upper or topsurface on which unit patterns can be arranged. Each unit pattern canhave an inclination angle with respect to a unit pattern inclinationangle direction (e.g., the y-direction as depicted in FIG. 1) of thefirst surface, respectively, and each unit pattern inclination angledirection can be parallel to the first surface. Each unit pattern can beextended in a pattern extension direction (e.g., the x-direction asdepicted in FIG. 1), respectively, wherein each pattern extensiondirection is parallel to the first surface and is perpendicular to therespective unit pattern inclination angle direction of the unit patternwhich is extended in said pattern extension direction.

The plurality of unit patterns and the inclined surfaces thereof arestructurally arranged on the first surface of the base substrate suchthat any beam of incident light that strikes a unit pattern at a rightangle to the pattern extension direction in which said unit patternextends is guided away from the optical member.

A light device can include an optical member of the subject inventionand a light source unit irradiating light to the optical member. Thelight source can be structurally arranged such that an artificialthree-dimensional effect is generated whereby at least a portion oflight reflected from the plurality of unit patterns appears to a viewerto originate from a depth below the optical member. For example, theartificial three-dimensional effect makes it appear to a viewer abovethe optical member and looking down on the optical member toward thefirst surface of the base substrate (and with a line of sight that isperpendicular to or approximately perpendicular to the first surface,such as the z-direction as depicted in FIG. 1) that at least a portionof light reflected from the plurality of unit patterns originates from adepth below the optical member. This artificial three-dimensional effectcan be seen in, for example, FIG. 15.

In an embodiment, an optical member can unit patterns such that eachunit pattern has two inclined surfaces, each with an inclination anglewith respect to the unit pattern inclination angle direction, wherein across-sectional view of each unit pattern has a triangular shape, withthe first surface of the base and the two inclined surfaces being thethree sides of the triangle, and wherein, in the cross-sectional view ofeach unit pattern, the inclined surfaces have different lengths. Forexample, the unit patterns may have triangular cross-sections (taken ina direction perpendicular to the first surface of the base substrate andparallel to an angle inclination direction of each unit pattern,respectively) that are not equilateral or isosceles triangles.

A refractive index of the base substrate 10 may range from about 1.30 toabout 1.80. Also, according to some embodiments, the refractive index ofthe base substrate 10 may range from about 1.80 to about 2.50. In thiscase, an inclined surface 113 of each of multiple unit patterns 111 maybe provided so as to have a predetermined inclination angle according tothe refractive index of the base substrate 10. The inclination angle maybe an angle formed between the pattern arrangement surface 112 of thebase substrate 10 and the inclined surface 113 or an angle formedbetween a straight line which crosses right angles to the patternarrangement surface, and the inclined surface 113.

In an embodiment, the plurality of unit patterns 111 can implement aline-shaped beam of a first path which crosses right angles to a patternextension direction (an x-direction) of the plurality of unit patternsby guiding first incident beams in a first surface direction to whichthe first surface faces or a second surface direction to which thesecond surface faces according to refraction and reflection generatedfrom the inclined surface 113 of each of the unit patterns.

The inclined surface 113 can be provided so as to substantially limitdiffused reflection of the incident beams and enable light returned toan incidence angle to hardly exist. That is, the inclined surface 113can be provided so as to substantially guide the incident beams in apredetermined direction according to refraction and regular reflectionof the incident beams.

The aforesaid line-shaped beams may refer to light guided andconcentrated so as to form an illuminating portion (e.g., a line-shapedilluminating portion) that has a predetermined width (e.g., an opticalwidth) and a longer length than the optical width and is brighter (e.g.,dozens of times brighter or more) compared to peripheral areas withregard to the light irradiated to a hemisphere area (an opticaleffective area) of a pattern 11. The guiding and concentrating of thelight are intended to enable the light of a predetermined optical path(the first path) according to the position of a reference point or anobserving position within the optical effective area to be relativelyclearly seen compared to light of the peripheral areas. A longitudinaldirection of the line-shaped beams may be parallel to a y direction.That is, in an embodiment, the first path may refer to an optical pathof light moving in the y direction as depicted in FIG. 1.

Also, the aforesaid first surface direction and the second surfacedirection can refer to at least two directions which are opposed to eachother at a thickness direction (e.g., the z-direction as depicted inFIG. 1) of the base substrate 10 with the base substrate 10 as thecenter. That is, the first surface direction can include variousdirections to which the first surface faces, and the second surfacedirection can include various directions to which the second surfacefaces.

Also, the aforesaid pattern extension direction can be a direction inwhich a specific straight line on the inclined surface extends or adirection in which a specific tangent line coming into contact with acurved line of the inclined surface extends. In order to enable anoptical path with respect to emission light of light sourcesilluminating light to the plurality of unit patterns 111 to be limitedto a desired direction, e.g., the first path, the pattern extensiondirection can be provided so that the inclined surface of each of theunit pattern surfaces is parallel or approximately parallel to thepattern arrangement surface and extends in a direction crossing at rightangles to the first path.

Referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of unit patterns 111 can serve asindirect light sources whose light paths become gradually longer inorder as a distance from the light sources is increased, and thusgenerates a three-dimensional effect beam (i.e., an artificialthree-dimensional effect having a perceptional depth at the thicknessdirection (a z direction) of the base substrate 10. That is, lightreflected (e.g., at least a portion of the light reflected) from theoptical member can appear to a viewer (e.g., a viewer looking down onthe base substrate in the z-direction) to originate from a depth belowthe optical member. The thickness direction of the base substrate 10 maybe a direction which crosses at right angles to the pattern extensiondirection (the x direction) and the first direction (the y direction).

In other words, when the plurality of unit patterns 111 include a firstunit pattern, a second unit pattern and a third unit pattern which aresequentially arranged in a first pattern area A1, a second pattern areaA2 and a third pattern area A3 according to a distance from the lightsource LS, a second optical path of the second unit pattern can belonger than a first optical path of the first unit pattern and can besmaller than a third optical path of the third unit pattern. That is, asecond distance L2 between a second dummy light source LS2 of the lightsource LS resulting from an inclined surface of a second unit patternand the inclined surface of the second unit pattern can be longer than afirst distance L1 between a first dummy light source LS1 of the lightsource LS resulting from an inclined surface of a first unit pattern andthe inclined surface of the first unit pattern, and can be shorter thana third distance L3 between a third dummy light source LS3 of the lightsource LS resulting from an inclined surface of a third unit pattern andthe inclined surface of the third unit pattern. Such a configuration canimplement line shaped beams with a three-dimensional (3D) effect showinga shape in which the plurality of unit patterns 111 have long opticalpaths as a distance from the light source LS in a longitudinal directionof the line shaped beams is increased, and accordingly, when viewed froma virtual point (a reference point or an observing point) in a directionbeing appropriately vertical to the pattern arrangement surface 112(e.g., above the pattern arrangement surface in the z-direction), thelight source can appear far away from the plurality of unit patterns asthe optical paths become longer.

The second unit pattern may be a unit pattern which comes right afterthe first unit pattern on the pattern arrangement surface 112 as viewedfrom the light sources (LS) or a unit pattern positioned between thefirst unit pattern and other unit patterns in a predetermined number.Similarly, the third unit pattern may be a unit pattern positioned justafter the second unit pattern on the pattern arrangement surface 112 asviewed from the light source LS, or a unit pattern positioned betweenthe second unit pattern and other unit patterns in a predeterminednumber.

Also, a three-dimensional effect beam refers to an optical image havinga shape (a perceptional depth) in which a line-shaped beam concentratedto a predetermined optical path (a first path) by a pattern designgradually enters the base substrate 10 from the first surface of thebase substrate 10 toward the second surface of the base substrate 10 asviewed from the first surface direction or the second surface direction.Furthermore, the three-dimensional effect beam is another name for aspecific optical image of the line-shaped beam as an embodiment of theline-shaped beam implemented in the present invention.

According to some embodiments, the plurality of unit patterns can beprovided by removing a part of the first surface of the base substrate10, though embodiments are not limited thereto. That is, according tosome embodiments, the plurality of unit patterns 111 may be provided ona separate layer bonded to the first surface of the base substrate 10.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrated to explain the principles of refraction andreflection of the optical member of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 3, with respect to the plurality of unit patterns ofthe optical member according to the present embodiment, the inclinedsurface 113 of the respective unit patterns can refract and/or reflectincident beams according to an incidence angle θc.

That is, when a refractive index of air is n1, and a refractive index ofthe base substrate is n2, light, which travels from the inside of thebase substrate to the air of the outside, is refracted and/or reflectedfrom a boundary surface thereof, e.g., the inclined surface 113 of eachof the unit patterns, according to the incidence angle of the light.Similarly, light, which travels from the air of the outside of the basesubstrate to the inside of the base substrate, can also be refractedand/or reflected from the inclined surface 113 of the unit patternsaccording to the incidence angle of the light.

The inclined surface 113 of the unit patterns can be provided so as tohave a predetermined surface roughness in order to implement an opticalimage having a desired shape through a pattern design. That is, whenusing the plurality of unit patterns having the inclined surface 113with a predetermined surface roughness and guiding incident beams (e.g.away from the base substrate such as to the first surface direction orthe second surface direction) by refracting and/or reflecting theincident beams, optical paths, optical widths and light intensity of theincident beams may be controlled. Accordingly, line shaped beams,three-dimensional effect beams or line shaped beams with a 3D effecthaving desired shapes may be implemented.

According to certain embodiments, the inclined surface 113 can be amirror-like finishing surface. The inclined surface 113 may be aprecision machining surface. In other words, a surface roughness of theinclined surface 113 may be 0.02 or less in average roughness of acenter line or in arithmetical average roughness Ra and may be 0.3 orless in maximum height roughness Ry even through there is a differenceaccording to processing methods. According to some embodiments, thesurface roughness of the inclined surface 113 may be 0.8 or less in tenpoint median height Rz. Here, a reference length may be 0.25 mm.

The aforesaid configuration of the inclined surface 113 is intended tosecure a refractive index of the inclined surface beyond a certainvalue, and when the surface roughness is rougher than the values asdescribed above, it is difficult to properly implement the line shapedbeams due to the scattering of light or light exceeding a certain amountretuned from the inclined surface to the light source.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrated to explain a generative principle of aline-shaped beam of the optical member of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 may correspondto a partial magnified view of the plurality of unit patterns as viewedfrom above the pattern arrangement surface 112 of the base substrate 10of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, when a plurality of unit patterns P1, P2, P3, P4are sequentially arranged from the light source LS in the y direction(as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4), light of the light source LS can beimplemented as a line shaped beam B1 which travels in a direction (the ydirection as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4) crossing at right angles to eachof unit pattern extension directions (e.g., the x direction as depictedin FIGS. 1 and 4) of the plurality of unit patterns.

That is, the plurality of unit patterns and the inclined surfacesthereof can be structurally arranged on the first surface of the basesubstrate such that any beam of incident light that strikes a unitpattern at a right angle to the pattern extension direction (e.g.,x-direction as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4) in which said unit patternextends is guided away from the optical member.

Also, in implementing the line-shaped beam according to a patterndesign, the plurality of unit patterns P1, P2, P3, P4 can guide secondincident beams to a direction except for a direction of the first pathaccording to refraction and/or reflection of the inclined surface. Here,the second incident beams may be beams (hereinafter, ambient beams) thatmeet the inclined surface while having an incidence angle correspondingto the pattern extension directions and directions between an +ydirection and +x direction and between the +y direction and an −xdirection (for example, a direction within a first quadrant and a fourthquadrant of both sides of the first path proceeding to a +y axis on thexy plane on the basis of the light source) on the plane defined by thefirst path, and are refracted or reflected by the inclined surface,among beams from the light source LS toward the inclined surface. Inthis case, the second incident beams can be distributed in a relativelywide range by the inclined surface, and accordingly, in this case, thesecond incident beams can become ambient beams B2, B3 that form aperipheral part having relatively low brightness on the periphery of abright space compared to a line shape beam part (hereinafter, the brightspace) resulting from the first incident beams, or a dark space whenviewed from a virtual point (a reference point, an observing point andthe like) on a straight line which crosses to the x-y plane (whichcorresponds to a surface being parallel to the first surface or thesecond surface of the base substrate).

In the present embodiment, the pattern extension directions may beextension directions of straight lines extending along longitudinaldirections of the stripe patterns on the respective inclined surface ofthe plurality of unit patterns.

That is, when the pattern extension directions of the plurality of unitpatterns are designed to be parallel to each other upon designing thepatterns, the optical path (a first path) of light passing through theplurality of unit patterns can have a straight lined shape in which theoptical path starts from the unit patterns of a point meeting light fromthe light source for the first time and is moved to directions crossingat right angles to the pattern extension directions of the respectiveunit patterns.

Also, according to some embodiments, when the pattern extensiondirections of the plurality of unit patterns are designed not to beparallel to each other but to cross each other at at least one point orto extend in a radial direction (see, e.g., FIG. 9), the optical path(the first path) of light passing through the plurality of unit patternsmay be implemented in a curved form in which the optical path startsfrom the unit patterns of a point meeting light from the light sourcefor the first time and is bent to a side in which a distance between theadjacent unit patterns is narrow. This is because the plurality of unitpatterns guide movement of the light to the optical path of the leasttime according to the Fermat principle that ‘a ray of light movingwithin a medium moves along a moving path of the least time.’

FIG. 5 is a view showing brightness for each area of a three-dimensionaleffect beam of the optical member of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 5, with respect to the plurality of unit patterns ofthe optical member according to certain embodiments, the plurality ofunit patterns sequentially arranged from the light source can be dividedinto the unit patterns of multiple areas (e.g., three areas), andreviewing brightness for the unit patterns in each of the areas, theplurality of unit patterns can be implemented to have brightness indifferent ranges from each other according to a distance from the lightsource.

For example, when the plurality of unit patterns are divided into firstunit patterns of a first area A1, second unit patterns of a second areaA2 and third unit patterns of a third area A3 (see, e.g., FIG. 2), asecond brightness of the second unit patterns can be lower than a firstbrightness of the first unit patterns and can be higher than a thirdbrightness of the third unit patterns. A second distance L2 between theunit pattern farthest away from the light source among the second unitpatterns and the light source can be longer than a first distance L1between the unit pattern farthest away from the light source among thefirst unit patterns and the light source, and can be shorter than athird distance L3 between the unit pattern farthest away from the lightsource among the third unit patterns and the light source.

More specifically, when a maximum brightness of the nearest unit patternto the light source is level 10 Lu10, the specific first unit patternpositioned at the first distance L1 from the light source may have abrightness value of level 8 Lu8, level 7 Lu7, level 6 Lu6, level 5 Lu5or level 4 Lu4 according to different pattern designs of differentembodiments (e.g., a first embodiment to a fifth embodiment). Also, thespecific second unit pattern positioned at the second distance L2 fromthe light source may have a brightness value of about level 6 Lu6, level4 Lu4, level 2 Lu2 or level 1 Lu1. Furthermore, the specific third unitpattern positioned at the third distance L3 from the light source mayhave a brightness value of about level 2 Lu2, level 1 Lu1 or level 0(i.e., no brightness exists).

That is, the plurality of unit patterns previously explained withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the unit patterns serves as anindirect light source emitting light having a fixed brightness byrefracting and/or reflecting light of the light source, and at thistime, the plurality of unit patterns may be implemented as indirectlight sources having brightness values different from each other whichare sequentially reduced according to pattern designs or arrangementstructures.

Referring again to FIG. 5, according to a pattern design or anarrangement structure of an embodiment (e.g., a first embodiment), asshown in a brightness curve G1 of the first embodiment, the first unitpattern can serve as an indirect light source having a brightness valueof level 10 to level 7, the second unit pattern can serve as an indirectlight source having a brightness value of level 7 to level 4, and thethird unit pattern can serve as an indirect light source having abrightness value of about level 4 to level 1. Such a configuration mayimplement three-dimensional effect beams in which brightness isuniformly reduced at the plurality of unit patterns as a distance fromthe light source is increased. In order to implement thethree-dimensional effect beams, the plurality of unit patterns may bedesigned so as to have uniform pitches.

Also, according to a pattern design or an arrangement structure of anembodiment (e.g., a second embodiment), as shown in a brightness curveG2 of the second embodiment, the first unit pattern can serve as anindirect light source having a brightness value of level 10 to level 6,the second unit pattern can serve as an indirect light source having abrightness value of level 6 to level 3, and the third unit pattern canserve as an indirect light source having a brightness value of aboutlevel 3 to level 0. Such a configuration may implement athree-dimensional effect beam in which brightness is substantially,uniformly and rapidly reduced at the plurality of unit patterns as adistance from the light source is increased. In order to implement thethree-dimensional effect beam, the plurality of unit patterns may bedesigned so that pitches are reduced as the distance from the lightsource is increased or so that a pattern density per a unit length isincreased at a certain ratio.

Also, according to a pattern design or an arrangement structure of anembodiment (e.g., a third embodiment), as shown in a brightness curve G3of the third embodiment, the first unit pattern can serve as an indirectlight source having a brightness value of level 10 to level 5, thesecond unit pattern can serve as an indirect light source having abrightness value of level 5 to level 2, and the third unit pattern canserve as an indirect light source having a brightness value of aboutlevel 2 and level 1. Such a configuration may implement athree-dimensional effect beam in which a reduction rate in brightnessbetween the first area A1 and the second area A2 is larger than thatbetween the second area A2 and the third area A3 as a distance from thelight source is increased. In order to implement the three-dimensionaleffect beam, the plurality of unit patterns may be designed to haveuniform pitches which are narrower than those of the first embodiment orthe plurality of unit patterns may be provided so that pitches areincreased as the distance from the light source is increased.

Also, according to a pattern design or an arrangement structure of anembodiment (e.g., the fourth embodiment), as shown in a brightness curveG4 of the fourth embodiment, the first unit pattern can serve as anindirect light source having a brightness value of level 10 to level 4,the second unit pattern can serve as an indirect light source having abrightness value of level 4 to level 1, and the third unit pattern canserve as an indirect light source having a brightness value of aboutlevel 1 and level 0. Such a configuration may implement athree-dimensional effect beam in which brightness is relatively rapidlyreduced compared to the case of the third embodiment. In order toimplement the three-dimensional effect beam, the plurality of unitpatterns may be designed to have uniform pitches which are narrower thanthose of the first embodiment or the plurality of unit patterns may beprovided so that pitches are reduced little by little as the distancefrom the light source is increased.

Also, according to a pattern design or an arrangement structure of anembodiment (e.g., the fifth embodiment), as shown in a brightness curveG5 of the fifth embodiment, the first unit pattern can serve as anindirect light source having a brightness value of level 10 to level 8,the second unit pattern can serve as an indirect light source having abrightness value of level 8 to level 6, and the third unit pattern canserve as an indirect light source having a brightness value of aboutlevel 6 to level 2. Such a configuration may implement athree-dimensional effect beam in which a reduction rate in brightnessbetween the first area A1 and the second area A2 is smaller than thatbetween the second area A2 and the third area A3 as a distance from thelight source is increased. In order to implement the three-dimensionaleffect beam, the plurality of unit patterns may be designed to haveuniform pitches which are wider than those of the first embodiment orthe plurality of unit patterns may be provided so that pitches arereduced little by little as the distance from the light source isincreased.

In the first to fifth embodiments discussed above, it is assumed thatthe pattern structures of the respective embodiments and reflectionabilities of the inclined surfaces of the respect unit patterns areidentical to each other, and if a difference in the pattern structuresor the reflection abilities of the unit patterns exists, by adjustingthe pitches and pattern design in consideration of the difference, areduction effect in brightness can be naturally obtained by an indirectlight source effect of the sequentially arranged plurality of unitpatterns.

According to certain embodiments, a three-dimensional effect beam or aline-shaped beam with a three-dimensional effect may be implemented bythe effect of a reduction in brightness as descried above and theindirect light source effect of patterns resulting from a difference indistance from the light source, namely, a difference in optical path.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrated to explain an embodiment of a patternstructure of the optical member of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 6, in an embodiment, the unit pattern 111 of thepatterns of the optical member can have a triangular cross-sectionalshape. That is, a cross section of an inclined surface of the unitpattern 111 may have a straight lined-shape. When the unit pattern 111has a triangular sectional structure, the inclined surface 113 can havea predetermined inclination angle with respect to a pattern arrangementsurface of the y direction (as depicted in FIG. 6). In another aspect,the inclined surface 113 may be formed to be inclined at a predeterminedinclination angle θ with respect to a direction (the z direction asdepicted in FIG. 6) which crosses at right angles to the patternarrangement surface.

The inclination angle θ can be, for example, more than about 5° and lessthan about 85°. In an embodiment, the inclination angle θ can be in arange of from 5° to 85°. The inclination angle θ may be designed inconsideration of a refractive index of the base member and may beappropriately designed in the range of 5° to 85° according to therefractive index of the base substrate.

In an embodiment, when a refractive index of the base substrate is about1.30 to 1.80, an inclination angle of the inclined surface 113 of eachof the unit patterns 111 may be in the range which is more than about33.7° and less than about 50.3° (or from 33.7° to 50.3°) on the basis ofthe pattern arrangement surface or may be in the range which is morethan about 49.7° and less than about 56.3° (or from 49.7° to 56.3°) onthe basis of the z direction (as depicted in FIG. 6).

Also, according to some embodiments, the base substrate may be formedusing a material having a high refractive index. For example, when ahigh intensity LED is manufactured, when light having a specificincidence angle passes through a die and penetrates a capsule material,since total internal reflection occurs due to a difference in n values(refractive index) between the semiconductor die (n=2.5˜3.50) and thegeneral polymeric capsule element (n=1.4∫1.60), light extractionefficiency of a device is reduced, and accordingly, in order toappropriately settle this problem, a high refractive polymer(n=1.8˜2.50) can be used. In an embodiment, the plurality of unitpatterns may be prepared by utilizing, e.g., a high refractive polymer(n=1.8˜2.50) used in manufacturing high intensity LEDs. In this case, aninclination angle of the inclined surface of each of the unit patternsaccording to the present embodiment may have a range of more than 23.6°and less than about 56.3° (or from 23.6° to 56.3°) according to arefractive index of the base substrate or a high refractive material.

Also, in order to adjust a refractive index, at least one refractiveindex controlling layer may be formed on the plurality of unit patterns.The refractive index controlling layer may be a transparent material (ora virtually transparent material) having a refractive index differentfrom that of the base member.

As described above, the inclined surface of the pattern of the opticalmember according to the present embodiment may be formed so as to havean inclination angle θ between about 5° to about 85° according tooptical images to be implemented or a refractive index of a constitutivematerial.

The inclination angle according to the aforesaid refractive indexfollows Snell's law, and Snell's law is represented by the followingmath formula 1 with reference to FIG. 3.

sin θ₁/sin θ₂ =n ₂ /n ₁  [Math Formula 1]

In Math Formula 1 above, sin θ₁ represents a traveling angle orincidence angle of light with respect to a first refractive index n₁,and sin θ₂ represents a traveling angle or incidence angle of light withrespect to a second refractive index n₂.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the respective unit patterns 111 may beprepared in a predetermined ratio of a width w to a height h of a pitchor a bottom surface for convenience of a manufacturing process upondesigning the patterns. For example, when the optical member isimplemented so as to emphasize a three-dimensional effect of the 3Deffect beam, a width w of the unit pattern can be equal to or smallerthan a height h. Also, when the optical member is implemented so as tohave a line-shaped optical image that is relatively long and has athree-dimensional effect, the width w can be greater than the height h.

As such, in an embodiment, the optical image of the 3D effect beam to beimplemented through the optical member may be controlled by using thewidth W and height h of each of the unit patterns 111 as factors for thecontrol of characteristics.

Also, according to an embodiment, a distance (corresponding to a pitchor a width w) between two adjacent unit patterns among the plurality ofunit patterns may range from, for example, 10 to 500 μm. This distancemay refer to an average distance among the plurality of unit patterns inthe first path and may be selected or adjusted according to a patterndesign, an arrangement structure or the shape of a desired opticalimage.

Meanwhile, according to some embodiments, the plurality of unit patternsmay have a structure in which the unit patterns are concavely insertedinto the inside of the base substrate at the first surface or thepattern arrangement surface of the base member. Like the aforesaid case,in this case, the inclined surface can have a predetermined angle withrespect to the z direction, and when a ratio (h/w) of a width of therespective unit patterns to a height is designed to be smaller than 1,it is advantageous in that it is easy to manufacture the patternscompared to patterns in which a ratio (h/w) of a width of the respectiveunit patterns to a height is 1 or more.

FIG. 7 a view illustrated to explain another embodiment of a patternstructure of the optical member of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 7, in an embodiment, when designing the patterns 11 ofthe optical member, the respective unit patterns 111 may have alenticular structure or a semicircular pillar structure. That is, thecross section of each of the unit patterns 111 may be formed in asemicircular sectional structure or a circular sectional structure(e.g., as depicted in FIG. 7).

Also, in many embodiments, a spaced portion, such as spaced portion 102depicted in FIG. 7, may be disposed between two adjacent unit patterns111. Such a spaced portion can be disposed between all adjacent unitpatterns 111, or between only a portion, such as only two, unit patterns111.

For example, when the plurality of unit patterns include a first unitpattern Cm−1, a second unit pattern Cm and a third unit pattern Cm+1(here, m represents natural numbers of 2 or greater), the spaced portion102 may be disposed between the first unit pattern Cm−1 and the secondunit pattern Cm and between the second unit pattern Cm and the thirdunit pattern Cm+1, respectively. The spaced portion 102, which is a gapbetween two adjacent unit patterns, may be provided for convenience of amanufacturing process. In many embodiments, the spaced portion 102 maybe omitted according to a pattern design for specific implementation.

In an embodiment, the inclined surface of the respective unit patterns111 becomes a surface which comes into contact with an arc-shapedvirtual point. That is, a tangent line which comes into contact with thevirtual point on the unit pattern 111 is placed at a predeterminedinclination angle θ in a direction (e.g., the z direction as depicted inthe figures) which crosses at right angles to the pattern arrangementsurface 112. The inclination angle θ may be less than 90° and more than0° according to a position of an arc-shaped surface hit by the beams BL.

In an embodiment, when the unit pattern 111 has a lenticular shape whichis easy to be manufactured, a ratio of a width to a height of the unitpattern 111 may be about ½ or less or an inclination angle θ of the unitpattern may be about 60°.

FIG. 8 is showing an embodiment of a pattern structure of the opticalmember of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 8, when designing the patterns 11 of the opticalmember of the present embodiment, the unit pattern 111 may have apolygonal sectional shape. That is, a cross section of the inclinedsurface of the unit pattern 111 may have a line graph-like shape.

In an embodiment, the inclined surface 113 of each of the unit patterns111 may be formed so as to have plurality of inclination angles θ1, θ2,etc. according to the number of line segments of a line graph in adirection (the z direction as depicted in FIG. 8) which crosses at rightangles to the pattern arrangement surface 112. The second inclinationangle θ2 may be larger than the first inclination angle θ1 or vice versaor the inclination angles may be the same. The first and secondinclination angles θ1, θ2 may be designed within a range of more thanabout 5° and less than about 85° (or from 5° to 85°) according to aposition hit by beams BL.

Also, in an embodiment, a spaced portion 102 may be provided between twoadjacent unit patterns. That is, when the plurality of unit patternsinclude a first unit pattern Cm−1, a second unit pattern Cm, and a thirdunit pattern Cm+1, the spaced portion 102 may be provide between thefirst unit pattern Cm−1 and the second unit pattern Cm, and between thesecond unit pattern Cm and the third unit pattern Cm+1. A width w1 ofthe spaced portion 102 can be smaller than a width w of the unit patternso that a natural line-shaped beam or a three-dimensional effect beamcan be implemented on the pattern 11, though embodiments are not limitedthereto. The width w1 of the spaced portion 102 may be less than 1/10 ofthe width w of the unit pattern. In order to implement a line-shapedbeam or a three-dimensional effect beam having a desired shape, thewidth w1 of the spaced portion 102 may be formed to be small if possibleor the spaced portion 102 itself may be omitted. When the spaced portion102 is provided, the spaced portion 102 can be designed to have a widthof, for example, several micrometers (μm) or less.

Also, in an embodiment, the pattern 11 may have a disconnected surface115, which is parallel to the pattern arrangement surface 112, on theunit pattern 111. The disconnected surface 115 may be a part which doesnot substantially emit light to the outside, and in a particularembodiment, a width w2 of the disconnected surface 115 may be limited ina range of several micrometers or less for implementing desiredline-shaped beams having a continuous line-like shape because theline-shaped beams implemented by the plurality of unit patterns may havea disconnected part corresponding to the disconnected surface 115.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an optical member according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the pattern 11 of the optical member can include aplurality of unit patterns provided in a structure in which patternarrangement directions cross each other at the pattern arrangementsurface of the base substrate 10. The plurality of unit patterns caninclude, for example, a first unit pattern C1, a second unit pattern C2,a third unit pattern C3, and an n-second unit pattern Cn-2, an n−1 unitpattern Cn-1 and an n unit pattern Cn. Here, n represents a naturalnumber of 6 or greater. The plurality of unit patterns can be arrangedto extend in a direction in which the plurality of unit patterns are notparallel to each other. That is, the pattern extension directions of theplurality of unit patterns can be non-parallel, and virtual extensionlines of the plurality of unit patterns may meet at one cross point C.In an embodiment, all pattern extension directions are non-parallel toeach other. In a further embodiment, a portion (that is less than all)of the pattern extension directions are non-parallel to each other.

According to an embodiment, when light of the light source is incidentto the pattern 11, the plurality of unit patterns can implement a firstline-shaped beam BL1 that is bent to a side in which the patternextension directions cross each other, e.g., a side in which the crosspoint C is present, while having a curvature, and can move along a firstpath (an optical path).

Also, according to an embodiment, the plurality of unit patterns canimplement a second line-shaped beam BL2 moving along another first pathinstead of a first line-shaped beam BL1 moving along a first path as areference point or an observer (a person, camera, etc.) observing thefirst line-shaped beam BL1 can move from a first point Pa to a secondpoint Pb. This is because a position of the first path, which crosses atright angles to the pattern extension directions of the plurality ofunit patterns, is moved in a direction opposed to a moving direction. Assuch, the plurality of unit patterns may implement various line-shapedbeams of various optical images (a straight lined shape, a curve shapeor a combination thereof) which travel along the pattern extensiondirections of the plurality of unit patterns according to the positionof a reference point or an observing point.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the optical member according to afurther embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, in an embodiment, an optical member 100A caninclude a base substrate 10 and a pattern layer 110. The pattern layer110 can be bonded onto the second surface of the base substrate 10 andcan have the plurality of unit patterns 111 exposed to the secondsurface of the base substrate 10.

The optical member 100A according to an embodiment can be substantiallyidentical to the optical member 100 previously explained with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2 except for the fact that the plurality of unit patterns111 can be provided by bonding the separate pattern layer 110 onto onesurface of the base substrate 10 rather than being directly provided byremoving a part of one surface of the base substrate 10.

In an embodiment, when the plurality of unit patterns are provided usingthe separate pattern layer 110, the base substrate 10 and the patternlayer 110 may have the same refractive index. Alternatively, the basesubstrate 10 and the pattern layer 110 may have a fixed difference inrefractive index. As one example, the refractive index of the basesubstrate 10 may be about 0.2 or less smaller than that of the patternlayer 110. When the difference in refractive index is used, therefraction efficiency and/or reflection efficiency of incident light canbe improved at the plurality of unit patterns of the pattern layer 110disposed between the base substrate and the atmosphere, and accordingly,line-shaped beams can be effectively implemented. When the refractiveindex difference exceeds 0.2, the total reflection of incident beams maybe generated from a boundary between the base substrate 10 and thepattern layer 110.

In an embodiment, in areas A1, A2, A3 according to a distance from thelight source illuminating beams, the line-shaped beams may have opticalimages resulting from irradiating beams B11, B12, B13 having differentbrightness values which are gradually reduced in the areas A1, A2, A3having a difference in optical path and sequentially arranged from thelight source to the first surface direction.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for a modified example of the opticalmember of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 11, in an embodiment, an optical member 100B caninclude a base substrate 10, a pattern layer 110 and an adhesive layer110 between the base substrate and the pattern layer 110. The opticalmember 100B can be substantially identical to the optical member 100Apreviously explained with reference to FIG. 10 except for the adhesivelayer 120.

The adhesive layer 120 may be provided with an epoxy adhesive film or anepoxy adhesive. Also, in order to adjust a difference in refractiveindex between the base substrate 10 and the pattern layer 110, theadhesive layer 120 may be made of, for example, PEA (Phenoxyethylacrylate), which is a high refraction material, a fluorinate polymer, afluorinate monomer or the like, though embodiments are not limitedthereto. A refractive index of the adhesive layer 120 may be larger thanthat of the base substrate 10 and that of the pattern layer 110. In sucha case, when a difference between the refractive index of the basesubstrate 10 and the refractive index of the pattern layer 110 is small,light passing through the adhesive layer 120 from the base substrate 10can be refracted at a predetermined angle, and can then be refracted inan opposite direction of the predetermined angle while traveling to thepattern layer 110 again, thereby enabling the light to travel in asimilar direction to an original traveling direction. Of course, when athickness of the adhesive layer 120 is very thin, the refraction anglemay be ignored.

In an embodiment, the adhesive layer 120 can be provided between thebase substrate 10 and the pattern layer 110 and can be made of amaterial having low reflectance. Otherwise, light from the light sourcewill not properly reach the plurality of unit patterns, and accordingly,it will be difficult for the plurality of unit patterns to implementline-shaped beams or line-shaped beams with a 3D effect.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a lighting device according to an embodimentof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, in an embodiment, a lighting device can include anoptical member 100, a light source unit 30, and a support member 210.The lighting device 200 can have a predetermined length LH and width WHon the plane. The length LH and width WH may be configured to beidentical to or similar to a length and diameter of a 20 W fluorescentlamp, a 40 W fluorescent lamp or the like.

The optical member 100 can be an optical member as described herein,such as the optical member previously described with reference to FIGS.1 and 2. Also, for example, the optical member previously explained withreference to FIGS. 10 and 11 may be used as the optical member 100.

The light source unit 30 can be disposed at both ends of the supportmember 210, respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the supportmember 210 so that light having an optical effective area in ahemisphere area form can be irradiated toward a central part of thesupport member 210 having a rectangular bar-like shape. In such a case,the light source unit 30 may include a first light source and a secondlight source, and the first light source and the second light source maybe disposed to irradiate light in directions opposed to each other.

In an embodiment of the lighting device 200, the first light source andthe second light source may be implemented so as to irradiate beamswhich cross each other in directions opposed to each other (see, e.g.,reference numerals 30 c and 30 d of FIG. 18).

In an embodiment, the light source unit 30 may be prepared using anartificial light source which is one of various existing light sources,such as incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, discharge lamps and the likein addition to LED light sources including LED (light emitting diode)elements, or the light source unit 30 may be prepared using aninducement member or reflection member for inducing or reflectingnatural light from the sun. When LED light sources are used, the lightsource unit 30 may further include a drive circuit supplying power tothe LED light sources. A printed circuit board to which the drivecircuit is mounted may also be provided.

The support member 210 may be at least a part of the housing of thelighting device 200, a wall inside or outside a building, or one surfaceof a device or apparatus. The support member 210 may be implementedusing devices or apparatuses without being specially limited thereto ifthe devices or apparatuses enable the optical member 100 to be disposedat a position in which light is irradiated. Furthermore, the supportmember 210 may be implemented using, for example, hats, clothes, shoes,bags, accessories, indoor and outdoor decoration components and thelike.

In many embodiments, the light source unit can be structurally arrangedsuch that an artificial three-dimensional effect is generated whereby atleast a portion of light reflected from the plurality of unit patternsappears to a viewer (e.g., a view above the optical member) to originatefrom a depth below the optical member.

In an embodiment, light irradiated from two light source units 30 to acentral part of the support member 210 may implement illuminationresulting from line-shaped beams with a 3D effect generated from bothends of the support member 210 by a refraction and/or reflectionreaction of the plurality of unit patterns and disappear in the centralpart of the support member 210.

As the optical member 100 is disposed on the support member 210 andlight is irradiated to the optical member from one side of the opticalmember 100, line shaped beams having specific optical paths may beimplemented by the plurality of unit patterns of the optical member, andline shaped beams with three-dimensional effect GL1, GL2 having aperceptional depth in a direction vertical to the pattern arrangementsurface may be implemented by a difference in optical paths resultingfrom a distance with the light source.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a lighting device according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematiccross-sectional view taken along lines XV-XV of the lighting device ofFIG. 13

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in an embodiment, a lighting device caninclude a lighting plate 31, a light source unit 30 and an opticalmember 100. The lighting device 300 can provide illumination resultingfrom multiple line-shaped beams or line-shaped beams having athree-dimensional effect.

The optical member can be an optical member according the subjectinvention, such as, e.g., the optical member previously described withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2 or the optical member 100 previouslyexplained with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. However, the optical member100 can include a plurality of groups of pattern unit patterns (e.g.,twelve groups) provided in respective pattern regions corresponding torespective LED light sources, and the plurality of unit patterns of therespective groups can have different pattern extension directions (e.g.,pattern extension directions extending in a direction which crosses atright angles to a first path for limiting an optical path of the lightsources to the first path (D1 and the like).

The optical member 100 may be provided in a film or flat form. Athickness of the optical member 100 may be more than 25 μm and less than10 mm (or in a range of 25 μm to 10 mm). When the thickness of theoptical member 100 is less than 250 μm, the optical member may have afilm-like shape and flexibility. When the thickness of the opticalmember 100 is less than 25 μm, due to a micro pattern structure, it isdifficult to manufacture the optical member, and a yield or durabilityof the product may be largely decreased. Furthermore, when the thicknessof the optical member 100 is thicker than 10 mm, it is disadvantageousin that the cost required for production and handling is increased.

The lighting plate 31 can support at least one of the housing or thelight source unit 30 as a support member and the optical member 100. Thelighting plate 31, which can be a separate member in a plate form, maybe connected to a device, an apparatus, a building and the like or maybe provided as a part of the device, apparatus, building, etc.

In some embodiments, the lighting plate 31 may include a substrate andmultiple light source units 30 provided on the substrate. In this case,the lighting plate 31 may include an insulating substrate and a printedcircuit board on the insulating substrate.

The light source units 30 may include multiple LED light sources. In anembodiment, the light source units 30 can include twelve LED lightsources arranged in a state of being divided into two groups (e.g., inupper and lower side parts of the lighting plate, such as upper andlower side parts of one surface of the lighting plate 31) facing eachother so that light is irradiated to the lighting plate 31 in directionswhich face each other. Each of the LED light sources can be configuredsuch that two LED elements are formed in a single package, andirradiates two beams.

The light source units 30 can include a first light source and a secondlight source belonging to a first group or a second group. In such acase, the first light source and the second light source can irradiatebeams in the same direction or irradiate beams which cross each other inan opposite direction.

In an embodiment, an optical width of the line-shaped beam may be lessthan a width of a light emitting surface of the LED light sources whichirradiate light to the plurality of unit patterns of the respectivepattern areas. The optical width and the width of the light emittingsurface can correspond to a maximum width resulting from two beams onthe plan view of FIG. 13 and a width of a surface in which beams areemitted from the light source units 30. In FIG. 14, a thickness of thelight source unit 30 is illustrated to be thicker than that of theoptical member 100, but the thickness is not limited thereto. Inparticular, a height (or a height from the lighting plate) of the lightemitting surface of the light source unit 30 may be smaller than thethickness of the optical member 100 for effectively supplying incidentlight.

In an embodiment, when the plurality of unit patterns are not present,the light source units may irradiate light having an optical effectivearea in a hemisphere area form on the basis of the light emittingsurface, but when the plurality of unit patterns are used, they canenable the light source units to irradiate line-shaped beams of lessthan a width of the light emitting surface within the optical effectivearea.

According to an embodiment, when the optical member is arranged on thelighting plate 31 having multiple LED light sources, and light of theLED light sources is irradiated to the optical member 100, planarillumination, resulting from various line-shaped beams with a 3D effectgenerated from both edges of the lighting device 300 being in adirection in which the LED light sources are disposed and disappear in acentral area A0, may be implemented by a refraction and/or reflectionreaction of the plurality of unit patterns provided in the respectivepattern areas of the optical member 100.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an operating state of the lighting device ofFIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a graph showing measured brightness of the lightingdevice of FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 15, in a lighting device 300 according to anembodiment of the present invention, when beams BL of twelve LED lightsources 12 are irradiated to the optical member, twelve line-shapedbeams are indicated by the unit patterns provided in different areas ofthe optical member. Also, due at least in part to the structuralarrangement of the light source unit the lighting device 300 generatesan artificial three-dimensional effect whereby at least a portion oflight reflected from the plurality of unit patterns appears to a viewerto originate from a depth below the optical member.

The lighting device 300 can implement three-dimensional effect beams inwhich beams BL emitted from the respective LED light sources move alongan arrangement direction of the unit patterns and disappear in a middlepart of the pattern area in which the unit patterns are arranged.

As such, the lighting device 300 may provide illumination using theline-shaped beams with a 3D effect implemented in an optical path of arelatively very short distance (for example, about 100 to 200 mm)through a pattern design of the optical member.

Here, the very short distance may correspond to a short distance of‘1/(hundreds to the thousands)’ times (0.01 to 0.00001) or more comparedto a distance (for example, dozens to hundreds of meters) in which lightnaturally reduces and disappears when the light moves on the opticalmember of a comparative example in which the plurality of unit patternsaccording to embodiments of the present invention are not provided.

When brightness of the lighting device 300 is measured using a fixedbrightness measuring instrument disposed in a front central part of thedevice, a brightness graph as illustrated in FIG. 16 can be obtained.

Referring to FIG. 16, it can be seen that when a light intensity of theLED light sources is about maximum level 12 Lu12, a first brightnessvalue (about Lu5) of a front central area A0 of the lighting device isrelatively very small compared to a second brightness value (about Lu7to about Lu12) of other areas. In particular, in consideration of thefact that the first brightness value of the central area A0 isinfluenced by the second brightness value of other ambient areas, thelight intensity of the front central area A0 of the light device may beexpected to be close to about level 0 (i.e., no brightness exists)practically.

According to an embodiment, by using line-shaped beams with a 3D effectof two groups extending in directions appropriately opposed to eachother, there may be provided surface illumination within a rectangularillumination area, an edge of which has high brightness and a centralpart of which has low brightness.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for a lighting device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, a lighting device 400 can include a base substrate10, a pattern 11, a light source 30 and a support member 410. Theoptical member 100 can include the base substrate 10 and the pattern 11.The pattern 11 can have a plurality of unit patterns sequentiallyarranged on a pattern arrangement surface of the base substrate 10.

The optical member 100 can be provided in a film form. A thickness ofthe optical member 100 may range from, for example, 25 to 250 μm. Whenthe thickness of the optical member 100 is less than 25 μm, it may bedifficult to manufacture the optical member and durability may belargely reduced. Also, when the thickness of the optical member 100 ismore than 250 μm, flexibility is largely reduced, and accordingly, itmay be difficult to install the optical member at the support member 410having a predetermined curvature.

The optical member 100 can be an optical member according to anembodiment of the subject invention, for example, those previouslydescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, except for the fact that theoptical member 100 can be provided in the film form and has flexibility.That is, the optical member 100 can include a base substrate and aplurality of unit patterns sequentially arranged on a first surface ofthe base substrate and each having an inclined surface with aninclination angle with respect to a unit pattern inclination angledirection of the first surface, respectively. Each unit patterninclination angle direction is parallel to the first surface, each unitpattern is extended in a pattern extension direction, respectively, andeach pattern extension direction is parallel to the first surface and isperpendicular to the respective unit pattern inclination angle directionof the unit pattern which is extended in said pattern extensiondirection. The plurality of unit patterns and the inclined surfacesthereof can be structurally arranged on the first surface of the basesubstrate such that any beam of incident light that strikes a unitpattern at a right angle to the pattern extension direction in whichsaid unit pattern extends is guided away from the optical member.

The optical member can implement line shaped beams with a 3D effecthaving a perceptional depth according to a difference in distance withthe light source in the first path in such a manner as to control astructure, pitch, and pattern density of the unit patterns provided onthe pattern arrangement surface of the base substrate 10, and thus limita width of the first path while guiding an optical path for lightirradiated from the light source unit 30 to the pattern to the firstpath.

The light source unit 30 can be supported by the support member 410 andcan be disposed so as to irradiate light to one side of the opticalmember 100. The light source unit 30 may be configured of LED packagesincluding one or two or more LED elements or LED strings. When multipleLED elements are included, the light irradiated from the light sourceunit 30 may be indicated as multiple line-shaped beams through theoptical member 100.

The support member 410 may be a housing having curvature or one surfaceof a wall or device inside or outside a building having a bent portion.The support member 410 can have a hollow cylindrical shape having apredetermined diameter 2R.

The support member 410 may be implemented using devices or apparatuseswithout being specially limited thereto. The devices or apparatuses canenable the optical member 100 on a sheet to be disposed at a position inwhich light of the light source units 30 is irradiated to one side. Thesupport member 410 may be implemented using hats, clothes, shoes, bags,accessories, indoor and outdoor decoration components and the like.

According to an embodiment, line illumination or surface illumination invarious designs may be implemented by attaching the optical member to anapplied product, a device or a building having a flexure portion orcurvature.

FIG. 18 is a plan view for a lighting device according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, in an embodiment, a lighting device 500 caninclude an optical member 100, multiple light sources 30 a to 30 g, andan outer lens 510.

The optical member can include a plurality of unit patterns arranged inrespective independent directions in multiple areas 12 a, 12 f, 12 g andthe like of the base substrate. The optical member 100 can besubstantially identical to the optical members previously described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 11 except for the fact that the optical member100 can have flexibility so as to be disposed on one surface (an innerside and the like) of the outer lens 510 having a curvature while havingthe substantially same curvature as that of the outer lens, andaccordingly, the detailed description thereon will be omitted in orderto avoid overlapping description.

The multiple light sources 30 a to 30 g can be disposed at an edge partof the outer lens 510 so as to irradiate light to one side of each ofthe unit patterns provided in multiple areas of the optical member 100.The respective light sources can be LED light sources including one ortwo or more LED elements. Also, in a case where the lighting device 500is used for vehicle lighting (e.g., car lighting or bus lighting), atleast one of the light sources 30 a to 30 g may be operated by receivinga power supply supplied from a vehicle battery 530 (e.g., a car batteryor a bus battery).

With regard to the light source unit, the first light source and thesecond light source may irradiate light in the same direction or indirections which cross each other from directions opposed to each other.Also, the first light source and second light source may be disposed soas to irradiate light in directions opposed to each other or in anopposite direction having an angle of 90° or more and 180° or lessbetween the first light source and the second light source.

The outer lens 510 can refer to a cover or a lens disposed on an outersurface of a lighting device such as a lighting device for a vehicle(e.g., a car or a bus), an outdoor lighting device and the like. In acase where the outer lens is used in a vehicle (e.g., a car or a bus),the outer lens 510 may be provided so that one surface on which theoptical member is disposed has a curvature leading to a curved surfaceof a vehicle body. That is, the outer lens 510 may be mounted to avehicle body required to have a curvature. The outer lens 510 may bemade of a transparent material, for example, a transparent plasticmaterial such as engineering plastic and the like, though embodimentsare not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, light irradiated from the light sources canbe irradiated in directions (y1 to y7) from an edge of the outer lens510 toward a central part, and the light can be implemented asline-shaped beams or line-shaped beams with a 3D effect by the unitpatterns provided in multiple areas of the optical member 100.

Also, referring again to FIG. 9, the lighting device can be capable ofimplementing multiple line shaped beams with a 3D effect which movealong the respective pattern extension directions of the unit patternsin the respective areas according to movement of a reference point or anobserving point. The lighting device 500 may be used as a lightingdevice for vehicles such as a headlight, a backlight, indoorillumination for vehicles, a fog lamp, a door scuff and the like. Also,the lighting device may be provided as a light device for vehicles whichis advantageous in terms of a volume, thickness, weight, price, lifespan, stability, degree of freedom in design, and convenience ininstallation.

Though vehicles have been described as an application for a lightingdevice according to the subject invention, embodiments are not limitedthereto. The lighting device may be applied to, for example, a curveportion or a flexure portion inside or outside an object to be installedwith illumination such as a building, equipment, furniture and the likeas a flexible lighting device in a film form. In this case, the outerlens 510 may be the support member or housing in a lens-like shape whichsupports the optical member or the light source.

As set forth above, according to the embodiments of the presentinvention, optical images having desired shapes can be implemented bycontrolling an optical path, optical width and light intensity through apattern design.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, optical imageshaving various designs can be implemented through a pattern design invarious illumination fields such as general illumination, designillumination, vehicle illumination and the like by utilizing theadvantageous optical member of the subject invention.

As previously described, in the detailed description of the invention,having described the detailed exemplary embodiments of the invention, itshould be apparent that modifications and variations can be made bypersons skilled without deviating from the spirit or scope of theinvention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing isillustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed aslimited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications tothe disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended tobe included within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

It should be understood that the examples and embodiments describedherein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modificationsor changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in theart and are to be included within the spirit and purview of thisapplication.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, andpublications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by referencein their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent theyare not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical member, comprising: a base substrate;and a plurality of unit patterns sequentially arranged on a firstsurface of the base substrate and each having an inclined surface withan inclination angle with respect to a unit pattern inclination angledirection of the first surface, respectively wherein each unit patterninclination angle direction is parallel to the first surface, whereineach unit pattern is extended in a pattern extension direction,respectively, wherein each pattern extension direction is parallel tothe first surface and is perpendicular to the respective unit patterninclination angle direction of the unit pattern which is extended insaid pattern extension direction, wherein the plurality of unit patternsand the inclined surfaces thereof are structurally arranged on the firstsurface of the base substrate such that any beam of incident light thatstrikes a unit pattern at a right angle to the pattern extensiondirection in which said unit pattern extends is guided away from theoptical member, and wherein at least two of the pattern extensiondirections are non-parallel to each other.
 2. The optical member ofclaim 1, wherein the pattern extension directions of the plurality ofunit patterns cross each other, such that a distance between adjacentunit patterns is smaller near a first edge of the base substrate than itis near a second edge of the base substrate opposite to the first side.3. The optical member of claim 1, wherein each inclined surface is amirror-like finishing surface.
 4. The optical member of claim 3, whereina roughness of each inclined surface is 0.02 or less in arithmeticalaverage roughness (Ra) and 0.30 or less in maximum height roughness(Ry).
 5. The optical member of claim 3, wherein the inclination angle ofeach inclined surface is in a range of from 5° to 85°.
 6. The opticalmember of claim 5, wherein a refractive index of the base substrate isin a range of from 1.3 to 1.8, and wherein the inclination angle of eachinclined surface is in a range of from 33.7° to 50.3°.
 7. The opticalmember of claim 5, wherein a refractive index of the base substrate isin a range of from 1.3 to 1.8, and wherein the inclination angle of eachinclined surface is in a range of from 49.7° to 56.3°.
 8. The opticalmember of claim 1, wherein a cross section of each inclined surface hasa straight-line shape, a rounded shape, a shape having a plurality ofstraight-line segments connected to form an overall curved shape, or acombination thereof.
 9. The optical member of claim 1, wherein adistance between two adjacent unit patterns among the plurality of unitpatterns ranges from 10 to 500 μm.
 10. The optical member of claim 1,wherein each unit pattern has two inclined surfaces, each with aninclination angle with respect to the unit pattern inclination angledirection, and wherein a cross-sectional view of each unit pattern has atriangular shape, with the first surface of the base and the twoinclined surfaces being the three sides of the triangle.
 11. The opticalmember of claim 10, wherein, in the cross-sectional view of each unitpattern, the inclined surfaces have different lengths.
 12. The opticalmember of claim 1, wherein the base substrate is a transparent substratehaving a haze of 2% or less in a plate or film form.
 13. The opticalmember of claim 12, wherein a thickness of the base substrate is in arange of from 25 μm to 250 μm.
 14. The optical member of claim 12,wherein a thickness of the base substrate is in a range of from 250 μmto 10 mm.
 15. The optical member of claim 12, wherein the base substratecomprises a photocurable polymer, a thermosetting polymer, or athermoplastic polymer.
 16. The optical member of claim 12, wherein thebase substrate comprises polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate,polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, or glass.
 17. The opticalmember of claim 1, wherein the plurality of unit patterns are formed ofthe same material as the first surface of the base substrate.
 18. Theoptical member of claim 1, wherein the plurality of unit patterns areprovided as a pattern layer bonded to the first surface of the basesubstrate.
 19. The optical member of claim 18, wherein the pattern layercomprises a photocurable resin.
 20. A lighting device, comprising: theoptical member of claim 1; and a light source unit irradiating light tothe optical member.
 21. The lighting device of claim 20, wherein thelight source unit is structurally arranged such that an artificialthree-dimensional effect is generated whereby at least a portion oflight reflected from the plurality of unit patterns appears to a viewerto originate from a depth below the optical member.
 22. The lightingdevice of claim 21, wherein the plurality of unit patterns serve asdummy light sources in which optical paths become longer in order as adistance from the light source is increased, thereby generating theartificial three-dimensional effect.
 23. A vehicle comprising a vehiclebody and the lighting device of claim
 20. 24. The vehicle of claim 23,wherein the vehicle is a bus.
 25. The vehicle of claim 23, wherein eachunit pattern has two inclined surfaces, each with an inclination anglewith respect to the unit pattern inclination angle direction, wherein across-sectional view of each unit pattern has a triangular shape, withthe first surface of the base and the two inclined surfaces being thethree sides of the triangle, and wherein, in the cross-sectional view ofeach unit pattern, the inclined surfaces have different lengths.
 26. Alighting device, comprising: an optical member; and a light source unitirradiating light to the optical member, wherein the optical membercomprises: a base substrate; and a plurality of unit patternssequentially arranged on a first surface of the base substrate and eachhaving an inclined surface with an inclination angle with respect to aunit pattern inclination angle direction of the first surface, whereineach unit pattern inclination angle direction is parallel to the firstsurface, wherein each unit pattern is extended in a pattern extensiondirection, respectively, wherein each pattern extension direction isparallel to the first surface and is perpendicular to the respectiveunit pattern inclination angle direction of the unit pattern which isextended in said pattern extension direction, wherein the plurality ofunit patterns and the inclined surfaces thereof are structurallyarranged on the first surface of the base substrate such that any beamof incident light that strikes a unit pattern at a right angle to thepattern extension direction in which said unit pattern extends is guidedaway from the optical member, and wherein the light source unit isstructurally arranged such that an artificial three-dimensional effectis generated whereby at least a portion of light reflected from theplurality of unit patterns appears to a viewer to originate from a depthbelow the optical member.
 27. The lighting device of claim 26, whereinthe light source unit includes a first light source and a second lightsource, wherein the first light source irradiates light in the samedirection as the second light source irradiates light or in a directionwhich crosses the direction in which the second light source irradiateslight.
 28. The lighting device of claim 26, wherein the light sourceunit includes a first light source and a second light source, whereinthe first light source irradiates light in a first direction, whereinthe second light source irradiates light in a second direction, andwherein the first direction and the second direction are opposed to eachother or are at an angle with each other in a range of from 90° to 180°.29. The lighting device of claim 26, wherein the light source unitincludes LED (light emitting diode) elements as light sources.
 30. Thelighting device of claim 26, further comprising a support member or ahousing, wherein the support member or the housing is configured tosupport at least one of the optical member and the light source unit.31. The lighting device of claim 26, wherein each unit pattern has twoinclined surfaces, each with an inclination angle with respect to theunit pattern inclination angle direction, and wherein a cross-sectionalview of each unit pattern has a triangular shape, with the first surfaceof the base and the two inclined surfaces being the three sides of thetriangle.
 32. The lighting device of claim 31, wherein, in thecross-sectional view of each unit pattern, the inclined surfaces havedifferent lengths.
 33. The lighting device of claim 26, furthercomprising an outer lens which is configured such that one surface onwhich the optical member is disposed has a curvature.
 34. A vehiclecomprising a vehicle body and the lighting device of claim 33, whereinthe outer lens is mounted to the vehicle body.
 35. A vehicle comprisinga vehicle body and the lighting device of claim
 26. 36. The vehicle ofclaim 35, wherein the vehicle further comprises a vehicle battery,wherein the light source unit is connected to the vehicle battery andreceives power from the vehicle battery.
 37. The vehicle of claim 35,wherein the vehicle is a bus.
 38. The vehicle of claim 35, wherein atleast two of the pattern extension directions are non-parallel to eachother.
 39. The vehicle of claim 38, wherein each unit pattern has twoinclined surfaces, each with an inclination angle with respect to theunit pattern inclination angle direction, wherein a cross-sectional viewof each unit pattern has a triangular shape, with the first surface ofthe base and the two inclined surfaces being the three sides of thetriangle, and wherein, in the cross-sectional view of each unit pattern,the inclined surfaces have different lengths.